Now that the first hints of spring are arriving across the land (except in New England, where it's still butt cold), pondering summer releases doesn't hurt quite so much.
The pondering has been encouraged in recent weeks by slick advertising for Michael Bay's "Pearl Harbor" (May 25). Most have probably seen the jaw-dropping trailer making the rounds during prime time television, but if you haven't, put those broadband pipes to good use and download this fine piece of advertising (Quicktime required). Even if the film sucks like a hungry anteater, that trailer will be remembered as a classic.
Taking a cue from the trailer, the "Pearl Harbor" marketing department has also released a series of frame-worthy posters, including a recently-issued set of four theatre sheets that pay homage to WWII-era military ads (see below).
The promotional materials are impressive, but "Pearl Harbor" isn't a sure thing. The film takes a page from the "Titanic" playbook by setting a love story amidst a well-known historical event. "Titanic" made money and nabbed Oscars, but a mere mention can summon hatred in the most lethargic of moviegoers. Furthermore, "Pearl Harbor's" director, Michael Bay, is best known for numbing action fare like "The Rock" and "Armageddon." Crappy dialogue and gaping plot holes are excusable in fictional stories about the end-time, but now that Bay is testing history — and assuming the responsibility that comes with such a project — he'll be held to a higher standard.
But enough with this naysaying! Until the movie unspools we can bask in the unattainable expectations. Happy hyping!
Posted: 04/03/01
